Living between Jacksonville and St. Augustine
St. Johns is an unincorporated community and suburb of Jacksonville between the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean. A once-small town, St. Johns has seen considerable growth in recent years, from a population of 18,063 in 2000 to an estimated 86,400 in 2016. Many people in St. Johns commute to neighboring cities Jacksonville and St. Augustine, both 22 miles away and a 30 to 55-minute commute. Locals share several of the same amenities found in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, like area beaches and easy access to Interstate 95, but enjoy less of the foot traffic and crowdedness that comes with city life.
Homes and the cost of living in St. Johns
St. Johns features a variety of housing, from Spanish-inspired riverside estates to Craftsman-style single-family homes in gated communities throughout the area. The cost of living here is approximately 10.9% higher than the national average, but homes here can vary widely in price. At the low end, townhouses and two-bedroom homes typically range between $250,000 and $350,000, whereas waterfront properties and homes with five or more bedrooms start closer to $1 million and go up to $1.5 million; in the middle, most three- to four-bed single-family homes go for between $400,000 and $600,000.
St. Johns County Schools receive high marks from Niche
Local kids can attend St. Johns County Schools, rated the second-best school district in Florida and an overall A by Niche. At Bartram Trail High, students can pursue their passions while gaining professional experience through specialized academies, including Information Technology Academy, VyStar Academy of Business & Finance and Design Academy.
Riverside parks and golf courses
While many locals may spend their weekends at the beach, St. Johns’ namesake river is this community’s defining natural feature, and many parks line along its bank, offering a great view, like Julington Creek Plantation Park, where locals can enjoy multipurpose fields and paved walkways perfect for a jog during daylight hours. St. Johns is also a popular area for golfers, and St. Johns Golf & Country Club is one of the area’s best-known 18-hole courses; the club is carved from a lush forest of pine trees in the Florida wetlands and offers golf lessons, equipment and member benefits.
Shopping centers in St. Johns
There’s no shortage of shopping centers across St. Johns, many of which are one-stop shops for everyday needs, like Durbin Park, where shoppers can grab groceries at the local Publix or Walmart, dine at regional chain restaurants like Mellow Mushroom or browse the many department stores and specialty shops. The Jacksonville area is home to countless restaurants covering cuisine from all around the world, but one standout in St. Johns is Bella Vista, a top-rated Italian restaurant with family-sized portions and memorable customer service.
Getting involved with the arts in St. Johns
Much of St. Johns’s artistic community is shared with Jacksonville, like the Riverside Arts Market, a weekly arts and farmers’ market held on Saturdays in Jacksonville, where St. Johns locals can showcase their work. Art studios like Board & Brush in St. Johns offer workshops for all skill levels, and community members can get involved with St. Johns Cultural Council to support local artists in the area.
Easy access to neighboring cities
Locals in St. Johns are typically car-dependent, but the Jacksonville Transportation Authority does provide bus routes around St. Johns and to Jacksonville. St. Johns is about 22 miles from Jacksonville, a 30–45-minute drive during rush hour following Interstate 95 north; St. Augustine is also 22 miles away, a 30–55-minute drive during rush hour headed south. Jacksonville International Airport is a 36-mile drive from St. Johns, and area hospitals include UF Health Durbin Park.
Crime, safety and flood risk
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported 118 violent and 552 property incidents in 2022. Crime Grade reports the rate of crime in St. Johns as 11.64 incidents per 1,000 residents and rates the area an A-plus. Homes in St. Johns may be at risk of flooding, but riverside homes are particularly vulnerable; homeowners may want to purchase flood insurance. St. Johns is typically sunny and humid through most of the year, with temperatures reaching the 90s.
